The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in how often you have bowel movements or how your stools look. Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support basic and clinical research into many digestive disorders.​

This content is provided as a service of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Content produced by the Clearinghouse is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and outside experts.